How to Play Rock Paper Scissors

Rock Paper Scissors is a simultaneous choice game. Each person picks rock, paper, or scissors. You compare the two choices. One beats another, or they match and you throw again.

What beats what

• Rock crushes scissors.
• Scissors cut paper.
• Paper covers rock.
• Same symbol is a draw.

In person

Players usually count '1, 2, 3, shoot' and throw on shoot. The ritual is there so nobody waits to see a hand. If someone is late every time, you are no longer playing the same game.

In a browser

You should not see the other person's choice before you submit yours. Duetly keeps each pick on the server until both arrive, then shows both. That is the digital version of throwing at the same time. Play Rock Paper Scissors online to feel that flow.

Best of 3 and best of 5

A single throw is noisy. A match to two wins (best of 3) or three wins (best of 5) is the usual way to make a decision. Draws do not count as wins; they extend the match. The best of 3 vs best of 5 guide explains when the extra rounds actually change the outcome.